Pressure points when pressed can help improve your health

What to do over the weekend? Since the weather has proven itself to be a little more predictable the last couple of days-hot, hot, hot with a burst of rain, it’s been a little confusing to plan how to spend my rest days. Although, workwise Philippine Fashion Week and other events have kept me (literally) and figuratively on my toes. Spending a lot of time in couture and high, high heels have left me with rather sore calves and not to mention sore soles. An old colleague of mine from my print days invited me to try out a new foot reflexology place just to give myself a little weekend treat. I jumped at the chance, happy that it was open when a free slot in my schedule opened up.

The internationally acclaimed Rwo Shur Health Method of Reflexology is what is practiced at The Reflex Zone

I met my friend at The Reflex Zone and was led into a rather open space filled with very comfortable looking chairs. It was explained to me that this center practiced the Rwo Shur Health Method of Reflexology and that all the therapists were male and had undergone strict training in this particular method. As a backgrounder, Rwo Shur  was developed by Fr. Josef Eugster, a Swiss Catholic priest and a missionary in Taiwan who got into reflexology because of his own need to be healed. In 1977, at only 37 years old, he was suffering from a debilitating severe rheumatoid arthritis in his knees. After consulting several physicians, it was a friend who convinced him to try reflexology-telling him that the root cause of his ailments were rooted in the imbalance of his internal organs and could be treated by curing through pressing on various pressure points found in the feet.

Initially, Fr. Josef didn’t understand how a method used on the feet could help his knees, but he nevertheless, began studying reflexology. When he first used reflexology on himself, he could barely stand the pain, but he diligently treated himself every day.  Within two weeks, to his amazement, the arthritis disappeared. Becoming a self-taught Reflexologist, Father Josef first cured himself, and then began to share the knowledge with his friends and parishioners with great success. And since then, he has gradually developed his own variations on the known techniques judging their value solely by the results that were obtained. He has likewise promoted the healing benefits of Reflexology in Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, the US and Europe.

A comfortable place to relax during a 80 minute long treat for the feet

I was looking forward to my treatment which would take about 80 minutes. I try to have massages weekly and have also experienced reflexology treatments around the world. There is a blend of both pain and relief during this (if done well) but it really does help release a lot of toxins that your body is carrying. While waiting for our therapists we were given a foot soak and some kind of gel like bath for our feet that harderned and was rather refreshing. As the therapists came in and discretely covered part of my exposed leg, he asked me if I had any particular issue or illness I wanted to address. I told him candidly that my legs and lower back were painful but it was normally my neck and my shoulders that were my regular sore points. Needless to say the next hour had me in his very able and strong hands that kneaded and applied very strong pressure all over the soles of my feet, the tops of my feet and (my most sensitive area pain wise) around my ankles. This was followed by a short back massage and I did feel like my whole world had melted away when it was all over and that I was going to sleepreally well that night! Before the therapist left he explained that we shouldn’t wet our feet for several hours and not to eat too heavy that night. He didn’t need to tell me as I went home and practically collapsed on my bed that same night.

Knowing what part hurts can help you focus on where you need to heal

I am so grateful that there is a new place for me to decompress after a long work week or even a weekend of way too many parties and events. I was told that The Reflex Zone has two packages, one for adults (like what I had) which is priced at a very reasonable Php 1000 and one for kids aged 5 to 8 years old. Reflexology has been found to have positive effects in the treatment of various conditions common in children, such as allergies, digestive problems, sleep disruption, and emotional or behavioral problems. I kinda chuckled when I heard this, thinking if this can help kids (emotionally) it is certainly a must for most adults. I have since then added another healing service to my me time-getting an overall health boost through Rwo Shur Reflexology.

The Reflex Zone natural therapy center is located at the Ground Floor of the Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. It is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, 1:00 – 10:00 pm. Appointments and queries may be made through 812-0050 or info@reflexzone.com.ph.  You can also log onto www.reflexzone.com.ph for more information.

Petit poses. Urban Ashram Manila’s Pocket Practice Yoga Guide

The other advantage of doing yoga often is that in time you will be able to do it anywhere you go. Even if you travel, all you need is a floor for the most basic of asanas (poses) and you can get a good workout with just 10-15 minutes not to mention a calmer mind and improved circulation. There are so many yoga studios and even fitness centers that offer yoga classes, it has gotten easier and easier for anyone to get fit and flexible. The feeling you get after a great practice is unparalleled, you feel longer and even cleaner for some reason. I was elated to find several products that would enable me to take my practice (or at least remind me to practice) wherever I go.

1)  Urban Ashram Manila has come up with their Yoga Travel Edition: Practice in My Pocket. There are several ways one can get this convenient guide to doing basic poses, the first is to download it from their website for free (urbanashrammanila.com/pocketpractice) or get the actual hard copy if you avail of their FNR (Flexibility Not Required) Pass. Urban Ashram Manila (located in Barangay Kapitolyo) is considered the country’s biggest venue for yoga and is opening its doors this July at Bonifacio High Street. It is the pioneer in the Flexibility Not Required (FNR) movement, which is incentive enough to get any newbie started with their yoga practice. I was told that other versions of this guide, which they’ve nicknamed PMP, will also be launched at Fully Booked in June. Throw this guide into your hand-carry or keep saved in your iPad.

Made for Movement. Portable and lightweight yoga mat.

2) Travel-friendly yoga mat. Produced by Made For Movement (madeformovement.ph) these lightweight mats (weighing less than a pound) are fantastic to bring along, since they don’t make a dent in your weight allowance and suitcase space. Made up of a micro-fiber and non-toxic base, they come in green, pink, purple and rust, and priced at a budget friendly P1,300.

Full of sole: Sanuk sandals made from yoga mat

3) Yoga-mat sandals. Speaking of mats, Sanuk has just launched a series of slip-on footwear made out of yoga mat material. Priced between P1,200-P1,990, these super soft and cushy sandals seem to kiss the soles of your feet just like a mat does. They come in several styles, including a wedge heel and zippered up version for added adjustment (since feet tend to swell throughout the day). An added bonus is they come in men’s, women’s and even kids’ versions.

Sling it along. OM bags for your mat

4) Sling bags that go to support a livelihood project. Luntian Bags which supports a community of women in San Teodoro, Mabini in Batangas has come up with these cheerful sling bags that are made from canvas and woven Igorot fabric (P500). They will fit most standard sized yoga mats, but can also be custom-made, so you can even choose the weave you want. Best of all, any purchase (whether it’s a standard bag or an OM yoga bag) gives back, so spread the love.

The true spirit of yoga, which goes beyond getting the highly coveted “yoga butt” of steel is in finding balance, being grounded and centered, in spite of all the chaos that is unavoidable in Manila. It is about getting a deeper sense of self and reconnecting to an inner peace, anytime, anywhere, regardless of what is going on around us. As they say once you come out of savasanah (corpse pose) the true practice of yoga begins, when the class ends. Namaste.

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For more information on Urban Ashram Manila and their Flexibility Not Required Program (FNR) call 377-9642 or 0917-8819642 or visit urbanashrammanila.com. Made for movement travel mats are available on madeformovement.ph or call 0922-8374685. Sanuk is exclusively distributed by the Primer Group of Companies and is available at Brat Pack, Greenbelt 5 and Sanuk, Glorietta. To order an OM sling bag send an email to luntianbags@yahoo.com or call 0928-505-1683.

Head shot. Vitamin and mineral boosts to your scalp through mesohair therapy.

If your hair has gone to hell and back due to over-processing (think rebonding, color, perms, blow-out abuse) then give it a good soak with one of the newly launched line of Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoos from The Souq Organics (P1,250/200ml bottle). Rich in antioxidants such as reconstructive keratin, fatty acids and of course, pure argan oil, one use can help improve the elasticity of your hair, making it more manageable especially if you decide to take a hairdo detox and are in-between treatments.

Mane squeeze. Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo has restorative powers

For more specific issues, the girls behind V & M Naturals have taken their already famous emu oil ingredient and put it into their hair care line. This particular oil that has been documented as a skin saver can now be found in their Hair Story Shampoo (P755), Never A Bad Hair Day Conditioner (P805) and Hair Masque (P595). These address dandruff, which crops up rather viciously due to changes in the climate and temperatures, or detangling hair that just refuses to be combed through. It is important to note that even with all above-mentioned products and treatments, one of the best defenses against any scary hair day is a balanced diet combined with regular activity and restful sleep. All these work in tandem to keep away stress — the biggest culprit in the battle against the uglies, so always remember that happiness is the real head-turner.

Happy new hair. V&M Naturals to leave those bad hair days behind

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Mesohair and Revage Hair Treatments available at The Skin And Laser Clinic; Tel .no. 403-3245. The Souq Organics can be reached at 4215745 or 0917-5576955. V&M Naturals are available at Mod Lei Skin Studio; Tel. nos. 9663719 and 0917-8232724

Would love to introduce you to my newest “baby” my online magazine called AVA-ZINE which you can check out on:

www.ava.ph/avazine/

I’d like to share an article written by Audrey Carpio of YStyle and I invite all of you to either shop on Ava.ph or read Ava.zine

Many thanks and enjoy!

You can also read the full article here: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=808181&publicationSubCategoryId=451

Objects of everyday beauty, at Ava.ph
BENT ANTENNA By Audrey N. Carpio (The Philippine Star) Updated May 18, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0)

Totes cool: Tongue-in-cheek statement totes from Charro y Churro
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Shine and shield. Palladio nail products offer sunscreen and vitamin-enriched top coats

Trouble is, most nail products — especially lacquers, are made up of so many harsh chemicals so that frequent use results in brittle, dry and yellow nails. When I was younger I went through a phase when I would change my polish every day, as well as a phase when I would grow them really long, trying to emulate all the hand models I would see in magazines. But with a rather athletic lifestyle this proved disastrous in the long run, and my already weakened nails would not only have to be whittled down to a more manageable length but also devoid of any polish whatsoever to heal them. Those were very trying times for me, looking at rather dull, bare nails. As far as I was concerned, nothing took away from a classy get-up like colorless hands and feet.

Nowadays, nail polish is the new black, and even though I’ve stuck to a much shortened nail length it is rare for me to now have my weekly mani-pedi and a growing collection of nail shades. Thankfully, there are now nail brands and treatments that cater to a healthier set of hands and feet, allowing me to extend the brightness of summer right down to my digits.

Build me up, buttercup: Butter London 3 Free lacquers are safer and long lasting.

Butter London has a range of nail lacquers called 3 Free that do not contain formaldehyde, toluene or DBP (phthalate) — three ingredients that are found in other brands that have been found to be carcinogenic. Their spring-summer shades for 2012 (P795/bottle) have unusual shades, from the more muted Bossy Boots to a shimmery, almost two- toned Knackered Final and my summer favorite, a turquoise green called Slapper. A nail-worthy investment would be a trip to a professional nail salon such as Dashing Diva.

Count to ten.Dashing Diva gives you chip free nails for up to ten days

Indulge in a treatment and ask to use their Manhattan Collection (P325/bottle), which like Butter London’s are formulated without ingredients that have been linked to negative health related conditions. Plus, the special blend of polymers in this collection allows your manicure and pedicure to last for up to 10 days without chipping.

If your nails need a break or if you’re in between colors, then nurse and nurture them with Palladio’s sunscreen for nails (P395) — which helps prevent yellowing and can be used as a top coat, or their Vita-Five Nail Enrichment (P325) which gives a vitamin-infused kiss to your nails and helps promote healthy nail growth. And if you really can’t stand a bare nail? Grab a box of Sally Hansen Nail Strips (P500/box) and get creative. Go for a girlish accent, or graphic one, and wave your hands around while you talk just for fun.

Another nail-saving tip is to buy your favorite shades and have them on hand (literally) for emergency chip situations. You can simply retouch them yourself and then go back to your salon to have them redone later on. Moisturize your hands and feet frequently and be realistic about your nail length — taper them to your lifestyle and you will have prettier, stronger, healthier nails, even if they’re just coated in a clear, barely-there polish.

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Butter London is available at Henri Calayag, Basement Salon, Nail Spa and Toni & Guy. Palladio Products are available at Beauty Bar stores. Sally Hansen Nail Products are available at Watson’s. Dashing Diva is located at Power Plant Mall, Glorietta 2 and Greenbelt 5.

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Think pink. Anthology Milano in salmon

So I was a woman with a mission for my Audrey Hepburn moment — well, at least, for my overworked feet. First stop was checking the malls and I came across Spare Soles, a China-made “pleather” flat that rolled up into a pretty matching pouch. These were great to stuff in one’s workbag, gym bag, or even car for those days when activities had you up and about from sun-up to sundown. The Metro model (P1,298) came in a variety of colors from solid basics like red and black to a more texturized faux reptile and leopard and even a rather over-the-top metallic gold, silver and bronze. One could really go for something subtle or eye-catching with a snug fit. For extra fun, there were also detachable jewel shoe clips (P698) that you could add-on for variety or for extra glam. I loved how one shoe could now look like two or even three different ones, a great way to economize and glamorize at the same time.

Feline fashionable. Leopard print sleek for your feet

Treaure toes. Multi-jewel clip for that extra shoe shine

Detachable shoe clips to add some spark to your shoe

Next stop was the worldwide web. I soon had my sights on the flats on offer from Suelas, which has a social economic conscience to boot, since it has an existing partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK); its shoe pouches are made by GK Payatas Trese Printers. Its malleability had me intrigued as it cheerfully challenged me to “Flatten It, Fold It, Roll It,” indicating that it was made out of a more durable material but still very wearable. The company actually did an online survey or “crowd-sourcing” to find out which designs they should produce. The top three winners resulted in the Impreso line (P1,799) made out of genuine sea snake leather and coming in shades of red, brown and (my personal choice) natural. I placed my order and decided, since I was online already, to continue my surfing to see what else the online marketplace had in store.

Suelas' Flexy-sexy. A fabulous and foldable flat

The brand Anthology showed up on my e-radar and they had both brights and neutrals to choose from. I was debating whether to go green with Cannes (P3,295) or get the always reliable, goes-with-everything fawn or camel colors of the Milano (P3,295). The company was started in 2007 and although the shoes were manufactured locally, high-end materials such as Italian leather were used. I finally clicked on a pair (with the very mature eeny-meeny-miney-moe routine of deduction) and left it in the hands of the gods of cyberspace. Both brands online available have gotten rave reviews from other friends who had also gone on a shoe binge after too many high heel mishaps had took their toll. Within 48 hours, I found myself a proud and rather excited owner of several new pairs of ballet flats. I slipped them on, enjoying them wrapping my foot like a hug and cherished having a more solid connection with gravity as I strolled around. With their different makes, colors and textures, with the added bonus of jewel-like clips to keep me interested, I am comfy and channeling Sabrina until the call of the wedge comes for me again.

Green mile. Walk comfortably in these bright leather ballet flats from Anthology

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Spare Soles and Shoe Clips are available at Tru, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati. Suelas and Anthology available online at ava.ph.

Narra, a new line of jewelry created by newspaper mainstays Bea Ledesma and Ria Francisco-Prieto launched several simple yet intricate pieces at the Cake Shop in High Street, Fort Bonifacio

Designers and besties Francisco-Prieto and Ledesma at the Narra launch

This design duo had long wanted to collaborate on something and jewelry seemed the most do-able, as well as most fun. “We wanted something that was different but still didn’t have to be too difficult to produce and most of all wear” shared Ledesma as she showed me some of the necklaces and bracelets “we also thought that this limited selection would be Filipino in a way because of the elements involved” Elements included a whole fish pendant that even showed bones and scales.

Delicate yet definitive pieces

Two of my personal favorites were the shark jaw pendant, like the one wore below by Esquire Magazine’s Audrey Carpio

Jaws jewelry

and the fishbone flexible “fine” cuff that was wrist wear worthy. The rose gold in particular was scooped up by most of the guests at the launch.

Fishbone bracelet a great wrist add-on

Looked great even when paired with a dressier ensemble to boot:

Truly a lovely addition to any ensemble

With a very successful and well-attended launch, the girls must be over the moon and will probably be producing an equally playful yet stylish new line soon. I can’t wait!
Narra will soon be available at AC+632 Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City.

I was spoiled for choice, it seems, as soon as I put out the intention to find something. First, for everyday use and to brighten up the workplace, there were the transparent hard shell cases from XDoria (if you like that look) for P2,000 or the carbon-finish version that looked a bit more grown up (P2,200). Made out of polycarbonate, they are harder to crack and are great to protect the edges of your laptop especially if you irresponsibly just throw your laptop into your bag like I do and then throw the bag into your car forgetting that part of it is sticking out. Color-wise I leaned towards the purple and made a mental note to tell my more corporate-bound friends about the more conservative version in black. I had mental images of me tapping away at my keyboard while at the beach, with my laptop case being a perfect match to my cover-up and other accessories. Sure, it may sound a little contrived but would still be a really cute photo.

With my case choice closed, what was next on the list was a bag. I now had to decide on flexibility and functionality of the product. The slimmest was the Thule Sleeve (P2,500) that had semi-rigid foam padding for protection and an additional fold where it opened to create water resistant defense (perfect for our now very unpredictable weather). Since it also had no seams there was no danger of your laptop getting scratched when being slid in and out of it. The next was a Case Logic Pouch (P1,400) which was like a mini-shell. Although I liked the sleekness of both, I was thinking it may be more practical to get something that could also carry my charger and other accessories if I needed. The apple green color of the Dicota Dee Slim Case (P2,450) was very appealing to me and I liked that it had different compartments on the outside pocket and a security strap inside to prevent your laptop from accidentally slipping out. As a true travel warrior , I then had to consider the Promax line (P1,990- P2,700) which looked like a mini-knapsack complete with compartments, padding and an adjustable strap.

The temptation to buy a case, a sleeve and a bag just to keep my laptop fashion-forward was overwhelming so it took a couple of days for me to justify my purchase. A cheap thrill runs through me when I see my new accessories in the brightest colors available. Okay, cute summer outing picture, here I come!

* * *

XDoria cases available at Apple Resellers (The A.Shop, Switch, iStudio) SM Appliance Center and Gadget stores (Mobile 1, Technoholics, Inbox). All other laptop sleeves and bags are available at Tripologie stores in Eastwood Mall and Alabang Town Center.

This April, a well-known brand in the international surfing community, Rip Curl, launches its summer line for women. The company had already established a reputation for making high-quality products that were also very easy on the eye, and didn’t stretch, rip or fade even with the abuse that came from a full-day of hitting the waves. The environment is also top of mind as it has expanded into Rip Curl Planet, wherein they use at least 55% eco-friendly fabrics  like organic cotton, linen and hemp. These are not limited to their clothing line but also extends to their accessories such as their caps and bags. Aside from being more eco-conscious, functionality and durability as well as comfort come into the making of their more protective and athletic wear such as their board shorts and rash guards.

For example their  Whirl 5” boardshorts (P2450 is made out of quadroflex lycra, allowing for a lot of stretch and movement great if you’re in the mood for a quick run followed by a dip in the ocean-its waistline has an elasticized front  allowing for even more freedom. Another find is the Belle Zip thru Rashguard (P 2540) which is made out of 15 Elastine and 85% nylon. Unlike typical rashguards, it isn’t difficult to put on (no squeezing, pulling and tugging) due to a zippered front. This works great for people who do watersports like diving, jetskiing, surfing and wakeboarding and gives added protection from the sun or even friction from a surfboard or mandatory lifevests  when wakeboarding or jetskiing that are at times so ill-fitting they can scratch and wound the skin.

With summer still stretching out in front of us, it’s high time to take advantage of a tide of fresh summer looks that will keep you looking (and feeling) cool on hot sands or under the shade at your favorite resort. Gone are the days of boring one-pieces and badly-fitting bikinis so go and stuff your bag full of colorful, playful designs, that are swim-sturdy and  don’t forget to add on floral mini-board shorts and knit-like cover ups for light and breezy layering when you’re done taking advantage of all the sun and surf and ready for a refreshing cocktail.

Rip Curl is available at all Stoked Inc. branches, Rustan’s Department Stores and Cinderella Makati. Visit www.stokedinc.com.ph for more information

Some take this particular opportunity to gather a group together and go for a bonding adventure. The web has become a virtual marketplace for some of the best deals around. Be patient with it, especially if you’re doing last-minute bookings or changes. Sometimes, a promo will open up last minute that may allow a three-star budget to afford a five-star stay. Like to tweet? Then follow airlines that regularly post their fare deals and other travel specials that could save you a buck or two. Before you book, make sure you’ve gathered up a group of non-flaky friends; the other kind can cause a holiday headache if they can’t make up their minds. Or fly solo; practically everywhere you’ll go you will probably bump into someone you know, and if not, take the opportunity to renew your social energies and make new friends… you never know who you might meet. (Cue: “Summer lovin’ had me a blast… Summer lovin’ happened so fast…”)

Others take advantage of a traffic-less Manila to get some “me” time. Whether it’s a vacation or a staycation, it’s worthwhile to invest in these “life brighteners” to make it a memorable time of the year.

Superskin. Go for an all-in-one Mistral Gold Photofacial!

 1. Save your skin. Sunny days are here to stay and getting your glow back on doesn’t necessarily mean having to bake outdoors or cake on concealer indoors. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind treatment of Mistral Gold, which incorporates Light and Heat Energies (LHE) Phototherapy. I went for a few sessions at the Patdu MD Medical Clinic in Ayala Alabang and within 10 to 15 minutes you can get dark spots lightened, wrinkles reduced, past sun damage treated and your facial hair zapped all in one go. It’s non-invasive with zero downtime bringing about radiance to your skin since it also boosts collagen renewal and diminishes the appearance of veins on your face. Put your best face forward even under the brightest sunlight; think of how good you’re going to look in pictures. (A session costs P5,000 – P7,000 depending on area to be treated or treatment required of Mistral Gold at Patdu MD Medical Clinic. Call 818-2698 for more details.)

2. Sound brights. Music motivates, as they say, and you’re probably going to be toting your laptop or MP3 player around. Share the groove with a group via a stylish portable speaker like the iTour Pop (P1,080) which comes in black, white, blue, red and pink; or if you want dual purpose, grab an iFit 2 (P1,750) which can also act as a dock for your iPad or iPod. If you’ve got a hard drive full of video downloads you can also enjoy great quality sound while watching with your friends and family. (These Divoom audio products are at SM Appliance Center, Rustan’s Department Store, Apple resellers and other gadget stores. For inquiries e-mail divoom.phil@gmail.com or call mobile 0917-5754812.)

 3. Sleek feet. Comfortable sandals are summer staples and if your trip keeps you on the sometimes-scorching sidewalks of the city or the hot, sunny sands of the beach, grab a pair of Jelly Nelly sandals that are washable and durable and come in a variety of colors that pack a colorful punch to whatever you wear. It’s also a great excuse to go out and get a very indulgent pedicure to treat your feet. Mommy alert: They come in kids’ sizes too, so you and your tot can play Mom and Mini-Me. (Jelly Nelly sandals range from P700-900. Go to www.jellynelly.com for more information.)